Medical team from Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital (CYCH) visited Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines to report on the work they had completed in the Province of Negros Oriental.
In June, this team from Taiwan returned to rural areas of Negros Oriental, Philippines, for its second medical mission, deepening the international partnership established through a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024. This visit marks another milestone in advancing cross-border healthcare collaboration, supported enthusiastically by the local government and partner facility, Bais District Hospital. The mission focused on two main areas: surgical collaboration and community clinics.
For the first time, CYCH’s surgical team worked side-by-side with local physicians at the hospital, performing a total of 43 surgical procedures, primarily tumor removals—ranging from the scalp to the soles of the feet. Emergency surgeries were also carried out. One involved a 13-year-old boy whose finger was severely infected after a fish fin puncture; the team acted swiftly to save the limb. Another urgent case featured a patient with a nearly amputated thumb from a chainsaw injury; with limited resources, the team innovatively used injection needles in place of surgical pins to stabilize the bone and reconstruct the nail bed. All surgeries were successfully completed and received high praise from patients and hospital staff alike.
Over two days, the team also held community outreach clinics in Mabinay city and Bais city, offering services in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), and Dentistry. TCM services—acupuncture, traditional Chinese therapeutic massage and health consultations—helped alleviate chronic pain and improve quality of life. Dental services provided oral checkups, extractions, and fluoride treatments for children. The team also distributed free medication and health education materials, raising awareness on basic health and preventive care. The outreach served a total of 489 individuals, addressing vital healthcare needs in underserved communities.
Beyond healthcare, the team also brought the light of the Gospel to communities without established churches. On Sunday afternoon, the team visited a remote village and spent time with 50 to 60 children, sharing joy through engaging games, songs, and a short skit. The children heard messages about Jesus’ love and care in a fun, approachable way. At the end of the visit, each child received a carefully prepared gift as a token of care and blessing. The team also noticed a child with a severely deformed right foot and disability. They arranged for a referral to a local hospital and are planning for possible surgery during the next mission trip in cooperation with local medical teams.
For CYCH, this mission was more than a short-term service trip—it represented a step toward building a sustainable local healthcare system. Through ongoing collaboration and technical support, the team is committed to working alongside local partners to foster resilient, community-based healthcare. CYCH believes that medicine is not just about treating illness—it is also a way to convey care and faith. The team not only delivered professional services but also actively engaged in local faith-based outreach, aiming to share love, hope, and the message of the Gospel through practical actions.
Through this hands-on collaboration, CYCH witnessed the transformative power of partnership. Looking forward, the team will continue to develop a global medical mission model rooted in professionalism and people-centered care—integrating training, resource sharing, system collaboration, and spiritual care—to promote holistic well-being in body, mind, and spirit.
